Page 54 of Corporate Escapades

“Are you coming?” Paris asked, holding the door.

Vic was standing outside the elevator, in a daze. “Sorry. I got caught up in my thoughts for a moment.” He stepped forward into the car. What did Tom have that he didn’t? He, after all, was heir to ADG and Tom was merely a dedicated worker.

“You look angry,” replied Paris. “Did something happen?”

Vic shook his head. “No, everything’s fine. It’s no big deal.” In reality, it was a big deal, but he wasn’t ready to admit it or to succumb fully to his feelings. Especially if Paris was not on the same page.

“You sure you don’t want to talk about it?” she asked.

Shutting her down, he said, “I’m good. I’ll let you know if I change my mind.”

Mya and Chase were chatting in the lobby when the elevator doors opened, and Vic and Paris stepped out.

“Morning!” Chase called out. He seemed happy as usual. “How is everyone?”

“I feel pretty good,” replied Paris. “I slept great. The weekend really helped.”

“That’s super,” he replied with a little too much excitement. He wore a yellow button-down shirt with smiling suns, which mirrored his happy persona.

“What about you, Vic? How are you?” asked Mya, following the question with a yawn.

Vic shrugged. “I can’t really complain, but you look a little tired.”

“Lots on my mind, I guess. Are you both ready for today? Here’s hoping we get some positive news about last week.”

“I concur,” replied Vic.

The group headed off down the block toward the ADG building.

“Now, let’s remember what we discussed over the weekend. Keep your eyes peeled. You never know who might be out to hurt you,” said Chase.

“Yeah,” agreed Mya. “Don’t let your guard down. Don’t get too close to anyone.”

Paris looked at Vic, who gave her a nod of understanding. “We know,” replied Paris.

Together they entered the boardroom. Their families were already seated. They stood in greeting and welcomed them back.

“How was the lake?” asked Dom.

“It was peaceful,” replied Paris. “We hiked, kayaked, and relaxed by the water. I couldn’t have wished for a nicer reprieve.”

“Glad to hear,” said Dom. “Vic, you’re awfully quiet. Did you not enjoy the weekend?”

“On the contrary, I enjoyed it a little too much,” he stated.

Dom’s expression changed to that of interest. “We can discuss that in more detail later.”

Paris blushed and turned away at his comment. Apparently, she wasn’t completely immune to the after feelings of the night they shared.

Nicola passed around two trays of sticky buns while Molly, Dom’s secretary, poured them each coffee, milk, or water. Paris watched her as she moved around the room. She was young and naïve. Barely nineteen and dressed in what she considered to be professional attire. Her oversized jacket and grey pencil skirt did nothing for her. She often stopped to push up her large round glasses, which kept slipping down her nose. Her dress made her look as if she were middle-aged rather than young and vibrant. Her ashy brown hair looked flat and dull. Paris made a note to pull her aside some time in the future and teach her how to properly dress for success, though she was unsure how much she would be able to help with her clumsy awkwardness. She had already slipped three times and tripped over her hideous black mules, stepping out of one as she tried to regain her composure.

Mya leaned in toward Paris. “Are you watching Molly?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah, she’s a mess, isn’t she?”

“Poor thing. She could be beautiful, but she consistently chooses the wrong clothing for her body. She needs to at least wear things that fit. This look is sloppy. I’m surprised Jessamine hasn’t stepped in,” said Mya.

“Totally agreeing with you. She could also use a little depth in her hair. That ashy tone, though natural, does nothing for her eyes. What are your thoughts?”

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